Expert Physical Therapy in Des Moines

Faith Thornton

Care Coordinator

Faith Thornton is the care coordinator for the Des Moines clinic. Faith answers the phones, welcomes clients into the office, helps with insurance questions, schedules appointments, and pitches in with whatever else is needed! Her mission at Kinetic Edge is to work with the team to ensure that the clients are having the best experience that they can.

Faith earned her associates degree from Anthem College in Missouri. She and her family live in Mitchellville.

FUN FACTS ABOUT FAITH:

• Dream Vacation: Going to Disney World with her whole family
• Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice
• Bucket List Item: Travel to Ireland

Todd Schemper, PT, DPT

COO
Partner
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist

Todd is a board-certified specialist in orthopaedic physical therapy. As a physical therapist, he enjoys problem solving the cause of a pain or injury to help clients find the best solution for recovery and prevention.

Todd is the COO for Kinetic Edge, as well as a partner in the company. His mission is to serve those who entrust their therapy needs to him by focusing on treating the whole person since the source of a problem is often not where the complaint is. He enjoys using education, manual therapy, and specific exercise to address the needs of his clients.

Todd earned his master’s and doctorate in physical therapy from Des Moines University after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and exercise science from Dordt University. Todd is also an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist, a certified Astym provider and is certified in dry needling. Todd resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Denise, and their three kids.

FUN FACTS ABOUT TODD:

• Something on his bucket list: He is working on competing in a running race or triathlon in all 50 states and is currently half way there.
• Actor he’d pick to play his life: Mark Wahlberg
• Hobbies: Running, cycling, hiking and being active with his wife and kids

Kaity Hall, PT, DPT

Clinic Manager
Doctor of Physical Therapy

Kaity Hall serves as a physical therapist for Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy, as well as Des Moines clinical manager. Her mission is to serve clients by looking at them as a whole and providing functional treatments, in addition to promoting overall health and wellness. She has a passion for getting to know her clients to better understand their needs and help them reach their goals. Kaity is functional dry needling certified and has completed level two training. She also completed pelvic health level 1 training and now provides pelvic health services in Des Moines.

Kaity graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Athletic Training and then went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Des Moines University. In her free time, Kaity enjoys spending time with her family, DIY projects, being outdoors, and exploring the Des Moines area. Kaity and her husband, Austin, have twins & reside in Urbandale.

FUN FACTS ABOUT KAITY:

• Something on her bucket list: Vacation in Australia or Bora Bora
• Food she’d eat for the rest of her life: Mexican food

Lisa Brekke, PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy

Lisa Brekke is a board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy. She is located in the Des Moines office, but frequently interacts with our other clinics. Her mission is to provide vestibular and concussion rehabilitation and grow with the company to better assist our community.

Lisa earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from Iowa State, a master’s degree in exercise science from Concordia University – St. Paul, and a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University. She has a Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation from Emory/Duke and Level 1 & 2 Functional Dry Needling certification. She is a Level 1 Credentialed Clinical Instructor and enjoys working with students as well as with other providers to improve their knowledge and skills working with individuals who have vestibular dysfunction and/or brain injuries. Lisa is originally from Ames, Iowa. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family & friends.

FUN FACTS ABOUT LISA:

• Dream Vacation: Acadia National Park in Maine
• Favorite Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
• Favorite band/singer: Dan + Shay

Make an appointment with Lisa now

1-866-588-0230

Emma Baker PT, DPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Emma serves as a physical therapist for Kinetic Edge in Des Moines. Her life mission is to experience life to the fullest and help others do the same. Kinetic Edge is a conduit for her to continue to help live out her mission by helping people move well and educate them on different parts of a healthy lifestyle.

Emma earned a Bachelor’s degree from University of Iowa in Health and Human Physiology, with an emphasis in Health Promotion. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Des Moines University. Emma is originally from Alden, IA. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and going on adventures with her fiancé and two dogs.

FUN FACTS ABOUT EMMA:

Dream Vacation: Ireland

Her Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Fun Facts: Emma has been to 5 of the 7 continents.

James Laughlin, PTA

Physical Therapist Assistant

James is a physical therapist assistant for Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy. His mission is to serve his patients by providing the highest level of service to promote physical well-being.

James has a Bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University in Exercise and Sport Science. He served his tenure as a fitness manager, overseeing two fitness facilities personal training program prior to returning to school to update his skills. James earned his Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Mercy College in Des Moines in 2011. He is a Certified Running Gait Analyst and Astym certified. James lives in Ankeny with Sally Twedt, their two kids Reagan and Tacoree, and their dogs Greta and Sully.

FUN FACTS ABOUT JAMES:

• His favorite band: Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Something on his bucket list: Visit New Zealand & throughout Asia
• In his free time you will find James running or biking, preferably in Colorado

Tessa Kleinwolterink, OTD, OTR/L

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Tessa is an occupational therapist at our Des Moines location. Tessa completed her undergraduate degree at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD with majors in Exercise Science and Psychology. She completed her graduate degree at the University of South Dakota in Vermilion, SD with a Doctoral Degree in Occupational Therapy. Her mission for working at Kinetic Edge is to provide quality care to children and adults that restores and inspires participation in daily life.

Tessa is originally from Sibley, IA. She enjoys spending time her family, working out, spending time outside, and reading. Tessa and her husband have a son and a large dog.

FUN FACTS ABOUT TESSA:

• Dream Vacation: Somewhere warm! Preferably with access to the beach.
• Additional Certifications: Specialized training with emphasis in areas of concussion and pediatrics. Impact Trained Occupational Therapist (ITOT), and has successfully completed training through Complete Concussion Management among other concussion courses.

Claire Schaefer, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Claire is an occupational therapist with Kinetic Edge. Claire graduated from Northwest Missouri State with a bachelor’s of science degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She earned her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Allen College. Her mission for working at Kinetic Edge is to help clients live their fullest and best life. Claire lives in Des Moines with her husband. In her free time she enjoys biking, tennis, pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.

FUN FACTS ABOUT CLAIRE:

• Bucket List: Travel to all the National Parks
• Favorite Movie: Baby Driver
• One food she could eat the rest of her life: Burger with no bun and pickles, roasted vegetables & chocolate